Our family received an iPad for Christmas. It is not mine. Ahem. I’ve been told to say that. Repeatedly. More than one set of grandparents sent Christmas money and My Sweetie and I decided it was the best use of the funds. The kids were stunned Christmas morning (one of my favorite verbs on Christmas morning, actually) and have been thrilled every day since.
We use it all.the.time.
My Sweetie had no idea how much we could use it for school, but the words educational apps is what sent him over the edge in using his and the kids’ part of the gift money (my part had no problemo being used) for the item I have been wanting for more than a year. I was also asked to raise my right hand and say, “I will not claim this iPad as my own and will actually share it. It is the family’s, not mine.” I had to sound believable.
Honestly, I have never felt more high tech and hip while teaching. Holding this little beauty in front of the kiddos or on my lap while looking at Fantastic Facts about the Oregon Trail has been so much fun and more than a little educational.
Our favorite apps so far:
Peripatetic Presidents of the United States- Wowza! A timeline that moves with a flick of the finger. Key events and documents listed under each president image. Suh-weet.
Solar Walk- Beautiful! Saw this app at the Apple Store (The Boy’s very favorite place to hang out) and knew we had to have it. Since we are studying astronomy this year, I couldn’t help it. The views it gives, the perspective, the details… wonderful.
Doodle- I can “draw” a math problem explanation quickly and with no paper. I know, not that impressive, but it’s saved time and effort.
Stack the States- Everyone loves this, including Wee Babe (who has all 50 states memorized, as well as every country in South America). It’s fun and uncomplicated, but they are learning the basics about states. They liked it so much, they spent their own money to upgrade from the free version.
Stack the Countries- Ditto what I said above. How happy am I that they are cementing geography? Very.
Analogies for Kids- Simple and fun. They think they are playing, not doing something educational. Perrrfect.
Ace the SAT- A basic intro to SAT style questions for my tenth grader. She’s taken it three times now and it has helped unmask the scary test.
Pandora, iBooks, and Kindle get plenty of use too.
I’ll share next week about the app that has helped me more than anything else all year. It’s helped me stay on track every day. It’s my new best friend. Seriously.
The week after next, I’ll tell you the sites we are loving for school. You won’t need an iPad to benefit from knowing them.
Do you app for homeschooling?
Linking to the Hip Homeschool Moms
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I am a new reader and I loved this post. I don’t remember how I stumbled upon your blog…. a rabbit trail probably. I keep checking back in to see if you’ve posted about the app that has helped keep you on track every day. I am sooo curious about your ‘new best friend.’ I am truly enjoying your blog!!! Many Blessings to you.
Taryn
Glad to have you, Taryn! Maybe you hopped here from the THSC who linked to me or Hip Homeschool Moms. Either way, that post (about my new BFF) goes up tomorrow.
Ooo, apps. I’m working on winning an iPad right now for just these reasons. I love our iPod Touch/iPhones, but it just doesn’t cut it for some things, especially for little hands. Off to check out these apps . . .